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Best for Affordable Privacy
- Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra
- Based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance
We've deemed NordVPN as the best overall virtual private network (VPN) for Android. It has an easy-to-use Android app, comes with plenty of security features, and it excels at unblocking streaming services.
Surfshark is a great option if you need to cover multiple devices, as it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. Finally, Private Internet Access is best for a budget, offering an affordable VPN that's still capable of protecting your data with its features.
NordVPN: Best overall
Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
Honorable mentions
How we test VPNs
FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Android
The best VPNs for Android
- NordVPN: Best overall
- Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
- Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
Top 3 VPN services for Android compared
VPN |
Best Overall
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Starting price | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years) |
Free version | |||
Streaming support | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, DAZN, and more | Yes — Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get Private Internet Access |
NordVPN: Best overall
Who it’s best for
NordVPN is best for people who want a VPN to do everything right with minimal fuss. It provides fast internet connections, doesn't leak your data, unblocks international streaming content, and can still fit a budget.
What we liked
NordVPN has all the security features you expect from a VPN, including AES-256 bit encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. The Android app is easy to use, and you don't have to navigate away from the main dashboard to find recent connections or quickly connect to a server.
While NordVPN is a bit more expensive than other VPNs, it does come with some additional benefits even if you're using the low-tier Standard plan. For example, all plans include a tracker and ad blocker along with malware protection thanks to the Threat Protection feature. NordVPN Threat Protection is also one of the best ad blockers for Android based on our testing.
To top it all off, we didn't find any major issues with NordVPN while testing its speed, checking for WebRTC and DNS leaks, and connecting to Netflix abroad.
What we didn’t like
Although Nord includes plenty of extra features and functionality, it may be pricey for some considering its pricing plans start at $2.99/mo (billed every two years).
If you're looking for a no-frills VPN without extra security features, then NordVPN is pricey compared to Surfshark, which starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years), and Private Internet Access, which starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years). Both options allow for unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN has a cap of 10.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
Free version | No |
Number of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
Number of connected devices | 10 |
VPN protocol | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get NordVPN |
Surfshark: Best for multiple devices
Who it’s best for
Surfshark is best for people who need multiple device connections. Surfshark offers budget-friendly plans, making it easy for people in large households to protect their online privacy.
What we liked
Unlike most VPN providers, Surfshark doesn't limit how many devices you can connect to an account. With Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections and extensive compatibility, you can connect any Android user in your home as well as any other devices in need of extra security.
The Android app has a clean interface that's easy to use. You can easily find data like your connection time, VPN IP address, and location as well as options to pause or disconnect. We liked how it has the option to connect to the fastest available server and nearest country, so you don't have to worry about facing unnecessary slow connection speeds.
We like that Surfshark also offers useful bonus features. Surfshark CleanWeb is a feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, so you can keep your Android clean from those annoyances.
It also comes with a double VPN feature, which enables you to connect via two different VPN servers for enhanced protection.
What we didn’t like
Although we're reassured that Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that's been audited by Deloitte and Cure53, Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes alliance member, a large international surveillance group.
It's also worth noting that the Netherlands is not subject to any data retention laws, so it's not required to keep logs of user activity.
However, if you're looking for maximum privacy, you might be better off with a provider like NordVPN, which is located in Panama and isn't part of the Eyes alliances at all.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $1.99–$17.95/mo |
Free version | No |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get Surfshark |
Private Internet Access: Best for affordable privacy
Who it’s best for
Private Internet Access (PIA) is best for budget-minded people looking to gain online privacy at an affordable price. There's no need to sacrifice speed to protect your data with PIA.
What we liked
PIA does everything you want your VPN to do: run quickly, protect your privacy, allow for watching streaming content abroad, and be affordable. It also allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. And thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA risk-free.
The Android interface is easy to use and can quickly connect to servers. PIA doesn't share how many servers it has, but it does have servers in 91 countries and every U.S. state, which makes it easy to connect internationally.
It also has all the essential security features of a VPN: a no-logs policy, high-quality VPN protocols, and no data leaks based on our testing.
What we didn’t like
PIA headquarters are located in Denver, Colorado, which raises some concerns since the U.S. is part of the Five Eyes Alliance. While PIA has done independent audits as recently as June 2022 to verify its no-logs policy, some people may prefer a VPN provider that may not face issues maintaining user privacy.
Private Internet Access specs
Price range | $2.03–$11.99/mo |
Free version | No |
Number of servers | Unlisted in 91 countries + all 50 U.S. states |
Number of connected devices | Unlimited |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Learn more | Get PIA |
Honorable mentions
If you find that NordVPN, Surfshark, and PIA aren't right for you, rest assured that there are a lot of VPNs available on Android. Here are some alternate VPN recommendations for Android:
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is popular, and there are some good reasons why. Lightway, the in-house VPN protocol, provides fast internet speeds. It can also access streaming content internationally and it passes all of our security tests.
CyberGhost: CyberGhost has one of the most affordable plans on the list and it passed all of our security tests. In 2022, it underwent an independent audit performed by Deloitte to verify its no-logs policy and it's based in Romania, a country with no data retention laws. - IPVanish: IPVanish is another affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Its Android app has a modern, dark-theme interface that's easy to use.
How we test VPNs
We evaluated Android VPNs by comparing features we considered essential for a good VPN. We primarily looked at and tested four factors:
- Price: We prioritized VPNs offering affordable plans while providing great value.
- Practicality: The VPNs were easy to set up and use for average Android users.
- Unblocks streaming content: There were no issues accessing streaming services with geo-restrictions while using our top VPNs.
- Protects your privacy: Top VPNs mask your IP address, provide leak protection, encrypt your information, and don't log your online activity.
FAQs
What is the best free Android VPN?
The best free VPNs for Android include providers like PrivadoVPN, TunnelBear, and Windscribe.
However, always do your research before using a free VPN. These VPNs often make an income by logging your activity and selling it to outside organizations.
Free VPNs also usually have fewer features than their paid counterparts, so it may be worth investing in a strong VPN service to ensure your protection.
Does Android have a built-in VPN?
Yes, Android does have a built-in VPN. However, it does require complex configuration and only supports protocols PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IPsec.
Another potential drawback is that the built-in VPN is not available on some older versions of Android. You may prefer using beginner-friendly VPN apps if you don't have the IT knowledge to configure VPNs or want stronger protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.
What devices can I use an Android VPN on?
You can use an Android VPN on mobile devices like Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and any other Android-based devices. Many VPN providers make their services available to multiple devices, so it's possible your preferred Android VPN can also cover Windows devices, macOS, smart TVs, routers, and more.
How do I get a VPN on my Android?
You can get a VPN on your Android by downloading an app from the Google Play Store. Simply open the Play Store, search for a VPN, and select Install.
Once the VPN app has been downloaded, you can usually get it set up and ready to go within minutes. Alternatively, you can set up a built-in VPN on Android, but this usually requires some IT knowledge to configure.
Can I use my Android VPN on other devices?
Yes, you can use your Android VPN on other devices. Many VPN providers can cover multiple types of devices made by Apple and Google.
For example, NordVPN also works on iOS, PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, and more. You may want to choose a VPN provider with enough versatility to provide protection to all of your internet-connected devices.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Android
NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Android devices due to its reliability, fast internet connection, excellent security features, and ability to unblock streaming services. However, if you are looking to connect more than five to 10 devices in your household, Surfshark may provide the best budget-friendly solution for you.
Finally, Private Internet Access has the most affordable plans without sacrificing speed and privacy.
3 best VPNs for Android
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Overall | Get NordVPN | |
Starts at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) | Multiple devices | Get Surfshark | |
Starts at $2.03/mo (billed every two years) | Affordable privacy | Get PIA |